2006 – Bahamas Student Guide Table of Contents Pages History and Geography
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Legends/FolkloreChickcharnies – The chickcharnies are a well-known part of Androsian culture (Andros Island is the largest Island in the Bahamas). The legendary creature is supposed to resemble an elf and has piercing red eyes, three fingers, three toes and a tail by which it hangs from the tall pine trees. It is believed that the chickcharnie forms its nest in the pine trees by joining two trees together at the top. The belief is that if the beholder sneers at the little creature, his head will turn completely around permanently. If you treat him with respect you will be blessed with good luck for the rest of your life. Bush Medicine - The practice of bush medicine can be traced to the distant past. When the African slaves came from West Africa, they brought these practices with them. A number of bushes are said to have medicinal value and can be used to cure a variety of ailments from asthma and the common cold, to boosting energy and producing fertility in women. Some of the bushes are thought to have the qualities of an aphrodisiac and others are believed to be good for relieving high blood pressure. The bushes bear such intriguing names as Seven-Man Strength, Life Leaf, Sailor’s flowers, Spanish Sage, Strong Bark, Five Fingers Leaf and Cerasee. The latter is a bush that Bahamians swear is a remedy for the common cold and some may even tell you that it has been known to cure cancer. Rushin’- A religious dance that is a part of the New Year’s eve (Watch Night) church service in some churches. It is a slavery religious dance that the congregation engages in following the New Year’s eve service. It is common with Baptists and Churches of God or “Jumper Churches” and still takes place on the Family Islands, especially Andros. Jump-in-dance Adding to the lively culture of The Bahamas is the jump-in-dance. This is like a ring play. A ring has to be formed and those participating in the dance stand in a circle around one or more dancers. There is clapping, singing and sometimes drum rhythms. One person at a time leads the dance in the circle. A solo dancer performs in the center of the ring and after dancing for a short period chooses another person, usually of the opposite sex to continue the dance in the circle. The sequence is repeated. The dance is lively and rhythmic. OUR CUISINE AND DRINKS Although virtually any type of international food can be found, some dishes are unique to the Islands of The Bahamas. The Bahamas are the delight of seafood lovers who enjoy the bountifully rich treasures from the sea. Crawfish (local rock lobster) conch (pronounced ‘konk’), land crabs, fish (Grouper, Yellow Tail and Red Snapper) to name a few, are delicious foods. Boiled fish and grits is a favourite breakfast. Boiled fish is also delicious served with homemade Island bread. Grouper is the most popular fish used for boiling. Bahamians are experts at cooking this fish which is flaky, white, tender and mild in flavour. Some Bahamians even used to cook the fish in seawater to bring out the true flavour. Conch, a mollusk, is a perennial local seafood favourite. The firm white meat is prepared in a variety of ways including chowder, stew, spicy salads, popular fritters and deep fried as “cracked conch” served with peas and rice. Other specialties include Bahamian stew fish (made with celery, onions, tomatoes, spices and fish), Bahamian lobster or crawfish, peas n’ rice (consisting of pigeon peas or fresh green peas with salt pork or bacon, tomatoes, celery, rice, thyme and pepper) and Johnny cake (pan-cooked bread made with butter, milk, flour, sugar, salt and baking powder). A typical Bahamian meal consists of tasty crab and rice, delicious steamed fish, served with baked macaroni and cheese and a good helping of potato salad. This is followed by desserts such as coconut or pineapple tart, bread pudding or guava duff, a delicious dessert that is made through a laborious process of folding the fruit into the dough and boiling and is served with a sauce. This meal is topped off with a large glass of ice cold “switcha” (lemon or lime, sugar and water mixture). For a Sunday meal, the rich seafood delicacy, lobster, may be substituted for the fish. The lobster may be steamed, minced or broiled. A typical Bahamian Christmas meal consists of baked ham and baked turkey with stuffing, green peas and rice (the green peas is usually picked fresh for cooking), yam or sweet potato, baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad, coleslaw and vegetables. BAHAMIAN RECIPES APPETIZER Conch Fritters Ingredients: 1 lb. conch, 2 oz. onion, 2 oz. celery, 2 oz. green pepper, 1 egg (beaten), ½ oz. baking powder, 12oz. flour, salt, Tabasco Sauce, water. Method : Cut the conch, and vegetables into ¼ inch dice. Mix the eggs, flour and baking powder and seasonings with sufficient water to form a fairly firm batter. Combine all ingredients and allow to rest for 15 min. prior to deep-frying. Note: Clams may be used instead of conch. Serves 8. SOUPS Conch ChowderIngredients: 3-oz. onion, 3-oz. celery, and 3oz. carrots, 3oz. green pepper, 6 oz. potatoes, 8oz. Conch, 2 oz. oil, 2 oz. pork fat, 2 oz. tomato paste, 1 qt. water. Add salt and Tabasco sauce to taste. Method: Cut the pork, vegetables and conch into ¼ inch dice. Cook the pork in the oil until light brown in colour; add the vegetables, herbs and cook for 3 minutes. Add the conch, tomato paste and chopped tomatoes and cook For 10 minutes. Add the water and simmer for 1-½ hours. Skim occasionally and season to taste. Note: clams, scallops or shrimp may be used in place of conch. Serves 6.
Simmer for ½ hour, add the dough and continue cooking for 1 hour. Season to taste. Note: Canned kidney beans may be used instead of pigeon peas. Dough (Combine the flour, baking powder and sufficient water to make a firm dough. Knead well. Allow to rest for 15 minutes, then pin out and cut into one-inch squares). Serves 6. POPULAR DISHES Crab and Rice Ingredients : 3 land crabs, 1 oz. pork fat, 1 oz. oil, 2 oz. onion, 2 oz. celery, 2 oz. green pepper, 2 oz. tomato paste, 12 oz. pigeon peas, 1 qt. water, 1 lb. rice, salt, pepper to taste. Method : Separate the body from the back, spoon out the fat and keep to one side. Cut the pork and vegetables into ¼ inch dice and fry in the oil. Add the crab fat, thyme, tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes. Add the water, bring to the boil. Add the rice and seasonings and cook under cover for approximately 20 minutes. Note: Lobster may be substituted for the crab. Serves 6. Cracked Conch Ingredients: 1 ½ lb. conch, 1 oz. lemon juice, 2oz. flour, 3 eggs Method : Cut the conch in half horizontally and tenderize. Marinate the conch in the lemon juice for ½ hour. Beat the eggs and dip the conch in the flour, egg wash and finally dip again into the flour. Deep fry. Serves 4. DESSERT Guava Duff Ingredients: (Dough) 4 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 cups finely sliced guava Methods: Combine all dry ingredients and mix together. Add oil. Knead approximately 10 minutes until smooth and pliable. Place on a flat surface and roll out to ¼ in. thick. Spread sliced guava over dough. Roll up into a long round loaf. Wrap in foil. Cook in a double boiler for 1 hr. Sauce Ingredients: 1 lb. butter, ½ cup sugar, 2 8oz. tins sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup finely sliced guava, ¼ cup brandy (substitute vanilla extract for brandy)
condensed milk and guava and blend 2 minutes. Add brandy (or vanilla) and blend 1 minute.
water, 4oz butter, nutmeg Method : Sift the dry ingredients and form a well. Rub the butter into the flour, add sufficient milk and water to make a firm dough. Knead well then allow to rest for 30 minutes. Gently flatten to a height of 2 inches and bake in a moderate oven for approximately 35 minutes. Serves 6. LOCAL DRINKS Bahama Mama 1 oz. coconut rum 1 1/4 oz. gold rum 1 1/2 oz. Nassau Royale Liqueur 2 oz. orange juice 2 oz.. pineapple juice Dash of Angostura Bitters (optional) 1/6 oz. grenadine 1 cherry and/or slice of orange or lemon Mix all liquid ingredients together and garnish
2 oz. gin 2 oz. condensed sweetened milk 6 - 8 oz. coconut water (fresh or canned) slice pineapple, orange and/or lemon Place several ice cubes in a large glass. Add gin and fill the remaining space with coconut water. Garnish with fruits.
1 1/4 oz. vodka 3 oz. orange juice 4 oz. lemon lime soda 1 cherry 1 small pineapple wedge grenadine to color pineapple wedge Fill a glass half way with crushed ice, place cherry in bottom of glass. Add vodka, soda and orange juice. Garnish with pineapple wedge attached to umbrella.
1 1/4 oz. dark rum 2 oz. orange juice 2 oz. pineapple juice dash angostura bitters 1/6 oz. grenadine 1 cherry and or slice of orange Mix all liquid ingredients together and garnish with fruits.
1 1/4 oz. light rum 1/2 oz. banana liqueur 1/2 oz. galliano liqueur 2 oz. orange juice 2 oz. pineapple juice 1 cherry and/or slice of orange Mix all liquid ingredients together and garnish with fruits.
1 1/4 oz. gold rum 1/2 oz. coconut liqueur 3 oz. pineapple juice 2 dashes of lemon juice 1 dash of simple syrup 1 cherry and/or slice of orange Mix all liquid ingredients together and garnish with fruits.
Offshore banking and finance, the second industry in The Bahamas after tourism, accounts for approximately 15% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. Central Bank The Central Bank is the central financial institution in The Bahamas and was established in 1974 by an Act of Parliament. Prior to this the Bahamas Monetary Authority held this position. Among the responsibilities of the Central Bank are: to safeguard the value of the Bahamian Dollar, credit regulation, note issue, administration of exchange control regulations, administration of banks and trusts legislation and to compile financial statistics EDUCATION The Ministry of Education has responsibility for Education in The Bahamas and the government provides education at its schools throughout The Bahamas free of charge. The mandatory age for school attendance is 16. Presently there are 191 schools in The Bahamas. The government operates 147 and 44 are private. In New Providence, 40 are government-run and 21 private. In the Family Islands, 107 are government-run and 23 private. Following are the basic categories under which Schools in The Bahamas fall: Pre-school Ages 2 - 4 Primary Ages 5 - 11 Secondary Ages 11- 16 and over There are also various schools catering to special education for all ages and schools for higher learning. Among the higher education institutions are the government operated College of The Bahamas, The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and the College of The Bahamas’ School of Hospitality and Tourism. Several United States Universities offer degree programs with weekend and evening classes which are held in Nassau. Among these institutions are University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University. Other private institutions offering tertiary education and degrees include Sojourner-Douglass College, Success Training College, University of the West Indies (regional) and the Eugene Dupuch Law School . HEALTH/MEDICAL SERVICES The Bahamas has excellent health care and medical services. The hospitals in The Bahamas fall under the responsibility of the Public Hospital Authority (PHA), which is governed by a Chairman and Board members. There are two major hospitals in Nassau, the Princess Margaret Hospital and Doctors Hospital. The 436-bed acute care Princess Margaret Hospital includes the following departments: medical, surgical, maternity, intensive care, pediatrics, eye wing, chest wing, private wing including specialist medical, surgical, obstetrical and gynecological services, ambulatory care facility including accident and emergency, general practice and specialty clinics, dialysis units, laboratory including blood bank, x-ray, physiotherapy and pharmacy. It also has private wards. The 72 bed privately operated Doctors Hospital provides acute care. Medical specialties are emergency medicine, ear, nose and throat, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, family medicine, gastroenterology, urology, cardiology, cardiovascular surgery and pediatrics. One of the three operating rooms at Doctor’s has laminar flow. They also have intensive care unit with eight beds, maternity ward with 14 beds, nuclear medicine, electoencephalography. Emergency doctors are on the premises daily, 24 hours a day, The Lyford Cay Hospital (which incorporates the Bahamas Heart Institute) is a 6 bed facility, including a four-bed coronary care unit and two-bed telemetry unit. Among the units are: operating theatre, x-ray and laboratory as well as an emergency room with a doctor on call 24 hours. Specialist treatment is also available in cardiology, internal medicine, family practice, plastic surgery, gynecology and stress echocardiography. Sandilands Psychiatric Hospital is responsible for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with mental illnesses and substance abuse problems. Among the services that the hospital provides are: a maximum-security unit, child and family guidance centre, drug unit, detox and evaluation unit, alcoholic unit and day hospital facilities. Rehabilitation is provided through: a special education program, recreation therapy, occupational therapy and psychological evaluation. There is also a half-way house for long-term patients There are also several private walk-in clinics and government-run clinics throughout the Island. Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, has a 77 bed hospital, the Rand Memorial Hospital. It is a community-type hospital which provides a variety of services including medical, surgical, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics, accident and emergency, psychiatry, pathology, clinical laboratory, radiology. It also has an intensive care unit. In addition there are clinics throughout the Island and several medical centres. Out Islands - While there are no hospitals on the Out Islands, at present the government operates 116 clinics on these Islands and in cases where more complex medical attention is required, patients are flown to the Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau (New Providence). THINGS TO DO ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES There are many attractions that are unique to The Bahamas, from the natural to the historic: Nassau/Paradise Island Ardastra Gardens & Zoo: Over 300 birds, mammals and reptiles from the Bahamas and around the world are on display in exotic tropical gardens. Visitors will take a delight in taking photos with the friendly parrots, boa constrictors and marching flamingos. BahamaCraft Centre: A unique tourist shopping attraction located on Paradise Island; it displays a wide variety of arts and crafts, crafted from indigenous products and collected from our 700 Islands under the sun. Balcony House: An 18th century restored house. The furnishings and design of Balcony House recapture the elegance and glory of a bygone era. Botanical Gardens: More than 600 species of flowering trees and shrubs and a cactus garden are displayed in the 18 acre Botanic Gardens. Christ Church Cathedral: The present edifice was erected in 1837 on the site of the first church in The Bahamas which was built around 1670. In 1861 Christ Church was designated as “The Cathedral Church of The Bahamas” by the Diocese of Nassau, which made the town “The city of Nassau”. Discover Atlantis: Tour the most mystifying and spectacular resort to have risen from the sea. Discover the world’s largest marine habitat second only to Mother Nature. View over 50,000 sea animals representing 200 different species. Explore the Dig, a replica of an archaeological excavation site, which may reveal how the Atlantean culture flourished over 11,000 years ago. Fish Fry At Arawak Cay: Enjoy a real “down home” experience at a Bahamian fish fry. Well-seasoned fish, fried local style along with delicious homemade bread as well as other seafood specialties such as conch salad and conch fritters and native delicacies are the order of the day- all in an outdoor setting at Arawak Cay. Fort Charlotte: Built in 1789 by Lord Dunmore and named in honour of the wife of King George III. This fort has never fired a shot in battle. It includes a waterless moat, drawbridge, ramparts and dungeons. Fort Charlotte commands a fine view of Nassau Harbour. Fort Fincastle: Built by Lord Dunmore, this fort boasts a spectacular view from its 126 foot water tower and lighthouse. Fort Montagu: Oldest of the three forts located on New Providence Island. Built in 1741 of local limestone. Garden of Remembrance: Located in Parliament Square. Here you will find the cenotaph, a monument commemorating the Bahamians who died in the First and Second World Wars. Government House: Located near downtown Nassau. Since 1801 this has been the official residence of the Governor-General of The Bahamas, personal representative of the Queen. A statue of Christopher Columbus which was built in 1830 stands at the front of this building to commemorate his discovery of the new world. .
Potter’s Cay: At this Bahamian marketplace are Nassau’s local fishermen selling their fresh fish and conch – watch them pull the fish right out of the water and crack the conch out of the shells before your eyes. You will also find produce vendors enticing visitors with mouth watering local fruits and vegetables. Located under the Exit Paradise Island Bridge. Prince George Wharf: Located in the heart of town, this is the largest ship port in the Caribbean. Queen’s Staircase: Nassau’s most visited attraction. Climb the 65 steps (originally 66). This steep staircase is believed to have been cut from solid limestone by slaves in the 1790’s to provide an escape route from Fort Fincastle to the town. The steps were later named the Queen’s Staircase in honour of Queen Victoria.
of the square are the public buildings. Built between 1805 and 1813, the buildings, which are based on Governor Tryon’s Palace in New Bern, the ancient capital of North Carolina, house the Bahamian legislature and other government offices. In front of the centre building is the statute of Queen Victoria which was given by the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the empire in 1905. Across Bay Street on the northern part of the square is the bust of Sir Milo Butler, a national hero and the first Bahamian to serve as Governor-General in an independent Bahamas. St. Matthew’s Church: This Anglican church, located between Church Street and Lover’s Lane, is the oldest church on the Island. It was built in 1803. Straw Market: It is located downtown Bay Street, where one can find bustling activity. Barter with local straw vendors for the purchase of straw items such as baskets, hats, dolls and mats. The Caves: Located on the western end of the Island. The Lucayans sheltered here. The Cloisters: The remains of a 14th century French stone Monastery that was imported to the United States by newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst in the 1920’s. Forty years later the Cloisters was bought by Huntington Hartford and installed at the top of a hill overlooking the Nassau Harbour. The Cloisters is a popular wedding venue, located on Paradise Island. The Water Tower: This imposing edifice was constructed on Bennet’s Hill near to Fort Fincastle. Its purpose was to maintain water pressure throughout the city. It provides a panoramic view of New Providence Island coast to coast. This is the highest point on the Island, 126 feet high and stands about 216 feet above sea level. Versailles Garden: This garden consists of a series of about seven terraces. A sundial is mounted on a twelfth century gothic pedestal and flanked by two fountains. There is also a twelfth century statue of Hercules, marble statues of Napoleon, Josephine and a bronze statue of “Mother and Child”. Also to be found in the gardens are statues of David Livingstone and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Located on Paradise Island. Grand Bahama Island (Freeport) Grand Bahama is the fourth largest Island in The Bahamas. It is divided into three major sections – East End, where many quaint settlements and secluded beaches can be found; Freeport/Lucaya, where the centre of activity is industrial and tourist-related; and West End, where other charming communities are located. Attractions include: Garden of the Groves – A twelve-acre tropical theme park featuring a wide range of native and regional plants, cascading waterfalls, a petting zoo with pot-bellied pigs, pigmy goats, tropical birds and an historical replica of a Bahamian church. East End Adventures – explore Grand Bahama outback. The adventure includes 4 x 4 jeep trails through pine forests and deserted beaches, a hike to an inland blue hole, conch-cracking demonstrations, 6 mile speed boat ride to a quaint fishing settlement of Sweeting’s Cay, Blue hole exploration and drift snorkeling, full native lunch and Bahamian drinks. Kayak Nature Tours - A unique all day eco-experience that includes kayaking the pristine mangrove environment of gold Rock Creek, a habitat for birds and marine life, a guided nature walk through Lucayan National Park and caves, bird watching, snorkeling and swimming on Gold Rock Beach. Rand Memorial Nature Centre – 100 acres of natural beauty, featuring many varieties of migratory song birds, native birds and reptiles including the Bahamian Boa, Bahama Parrot and the West Indian Flamingos in a stunning natural setting. Take a guided tour through the pine forest and learn about native plants and their medicinal and cultural uses. Lucayan National Park - This 40 acre park offers nature trails and boardwalks that lead to a variety of ecosystems, pinelands, hardwood, hammocks and coppice, mangrove swamps and sand dunes. Ben’s Cave and Burial Mound Cave are habitats for rare underwater crustaceans as well as migratory bats. Perfume Factory – A replica of an old Bahamian mansion where one can take a complimentary tour and see how perfume is made, bottled and created, sample famous Bahamas-made perfumes and colognes and mix, bottle, name and label your own unique fragrance. Port Lucaya – This shopping, dining and entertainment complex is a collection of twelve island-style buildings with over eighty shops, a straw and craft market and a 50 slip marina catering to luxury yachts along with pleasure vessels from all over the world. The Out Islands (Family Islands): Following is an outline of the points of interest in some of the major Out Islands Abaco Island The Abacos is widely known as “the sailing capital of The world”. It is the second largest Island of The Bahamas. Treasure Cay has one of the world’s top ten beaches. Additional attractions: Hope Town Lighthouse, Wyannie Malone Museum, Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, Albert Lowe Museum and Sculpture Garden, Abaco National Park. Wyannie Malone Historical Museum (Hope Town, Elbow Cay) This museum is filled with memorabilia and artifacts of Hope Town’s existence since the arrival of settlers such as Widow Malone. The Memorial Sculpture Gardens. (New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay). The garden contains 24 busts of prominent Bahamians surrounding the life-sized bronze figures of two girls, one black, one white. One child holds a conch shell, while the other holds the Union Jack, the flag of Great Britain. The garden is a memorial to the Loyalists and their slaves. Candy-Striped Lighthouse. (Hope Town, Elbow Cay), This 120 foot lighthouse was built in 1963 by the British Imperial Lighthouse Service to mark the Elbow Reef. It is one of the only hand-cranked lighthouses in the world. Activities: fishing tournaments, sailing, diving/snorkeling, surfing, golfing, windsurfing, biking, birding, regattas. Andros Island Andros is the largest Island of The Bahamas and is known as the “bone fishing capital of the world”. The Island was given the name “La Isla Del Espirito Santo”, the Island of the Holy Spirit, by the Spaniards. Some of its attractions are the 140 mile long Andros Barrier Reef (third largest in the world), 6,000 feet deep with a wall that begins around 70 feet; Seminole Village, Androsia Batik Factory and the blue holes that plunge more than 200 feet down into the ocean. These underwater cave systems have been the focus of cave diving expeditions. Great Barrier Reef: The third largest underwater reef in the Western Hemisphere stretching approximately 140 miles along the Island’s east coast, with a wall that begins around 70 feet and plunges 6000 feet down into the Tongue of the Ocean. Andros Blue Holes. The blue holes of Andros are openings that plunge more than 200 feet down into the ocean. These underwater cave systems have been the focus of cave diving expeditions. Androsia Factory (Fresh Creek). This is the production center for the colourful Bahamian cotton batik called “Androsia” that is sold and worn throughout The Bahamas. This cottage industry uses Indonesian methods, where the fabric is hand painted and dyed, to produce exquisite local designs. Visitors can tour the factory and watch the complete process – from waxing and dyeing to cutting and sewing. An outlet store on the premises offers great bargains on the material. Activities: diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, biking, hunting, birding. Bimini Island Located 50 miles southeast of Miami and 20 miles northwest of Nassau, The Biminis comprise North and South Bimini and numerous cays. It is known as the “big game capital of the world”. Attractions include Hemmingway’s Hideaway, Ernest Hemmingway Museum, Fountain of Youth Adventures of Fountain of Youth. Ponce De Leon in 1513 on the settlement of Bimini founded the Fountain of Youth. The fountain was restored some years ago and during this restoration a nature walk was put in place. This nature walk consists of the identification of Bahamian trees and plants. Compleat Angler. A popular bar and museum displaying the paintings, writing and pictures of famed writer Ernest Hemmingway who lived in Bimini between 1935 and 1937. End of the World Bar. The thousands of autographed business cards covering the walls attest to the popularity of this sand floor bar, a favourite haunt of the late New York Congressman, Adam Clayton Powell in the late ‘60’s Healing Hole Adventures. The Healing Hole is located in East Bimini. A healing spring of fresh water percolating up inside a salt water mangrove swamp. There are reports by many who swim in it that the Healing Hole has healing properties. Activities: fishing boating diving/snorkeling, biking, kayaking excursions Cat Island Cat Island is the most intriguing Island in The Bahamas. It was known as “San Salvador” before it received its present name. Residents still hold fast to the belief that Cat Island was the gateway to the new world. Mt. Alvernia, the highest natural point in The Bahamas is located here. Attractions include Hermitage, atop Mount Alvernia, historic plantations now in ruins, pink sand beaches. Mt. Alvernia. The highest natural point in The Bahamas (206 ft.). “The Hermitage”, a miniature monastery and excellent replica of larger hermitages in Europe was built on Mt. Alvernia in the 1940’s by Father Jerome, an architect and Jesuit missionary. He also built churches including one on Cat Island. He retired in 1939 and spent his last 20 years as a hermit Columbus Point. One of the many Indian caves which honeycomb the Island and a conch shell monument to Christopher Columbus, a testament to the local’s undying belief that here marks his first landfall, much to the dismay of the nearby San Salvadorians, who insist that the honor belongs to them. Armbrister Plantation. All that is left of this plantation are stone fences and the remains of walls. The great house, built in the 1760’s and owned by Henry Hawkins Armbrister, was burn ed down by the slaves. Activities: diving, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, shelling Eleuthera Island The Island was given the name “Eleuthera” which means “freedom” and was first settled by Eleuthera Adventurers who came from Bermuda seeking freedom of worship. Attractions include Pineapple Festival, Grottoes (the natural “hot tubs” of Eleuthera,, Glass Window Bridge (an area on the Island where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet), Surfer’s Beach Glass Window Bridge. The bridge is located between Upper Bogue and Gregory Town and it is named for the ridge which narrows and almost divides the Island. Prior to the bridge being built the land formed a perfect window in the rock. Today a smaller window is visible as the original one was washed away in a hurricane. A man-made bridge replaces the natural one. The picture of the deep blue ocean and the roaring surf is one of the most impressive sights on Eleuthera. Ocean Hole Park (Rock Sound). A unique marine attraction. It looks like a tranquil pond, however, it is flowing with saltwater fish of all descriptions. Boiling Hole (The Current). A rock bank that “boils” during changing tides. Loyalist Cottage (Harbour Island). Built in 1791 it is one of the remaining homes of the original loyalist settlers. Spanish Wells – gets its name from the fresh-water reserves of this Island that Spanish sailors renewed their water supply after the long Atlantic crossing, among them was the legendary explorer who sought the Fountain of Youth, Ponce de Leon. Activities: diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, surfing, golfing, biking, kayaking, cave exploration Exuma Island The Exumas are known as the “regatta capital of The Bahamas”. This chain of 365 cays stretches over 100 miles. The Exumas are a boater’s paradise. Hidden coves, virgin beaches and uninhabited islets surprise the sailor at every turn of the helm. Places of interest include Elizabeth Harbor, Exuma Land and Sea Park, Thunderball Grotto. Elizabeth Harbour. A post card perfect natural harbour sheltering George Town. Site of the annual Family Island Regatta in the last week end of April. Straw Market. A huge African fig tree in the middle of George Town shades the straw market, where a display of baskets, hats, mats and a variety of other straw goods, handcrafted with unique Exuma designs, are sold. Hermitage Estate. Within these grounds stands the Cotton House, the oldest building in The Exumas, built in the1750’s as part of a 970 acre cotton plantation. It remains inhabited to this day. It is also the site of Loyalists tombs dating back to the late 1700’s. “Thunderball Grotto”. This hollow cave was the location for some of the dive scenes in the James Bond classic “Thunderball”. Activities: sailing diving/snorkeling, fishing, boating Long Island Long Island is named for its seemingly unending length. One can enjoy excellent fishing or unforgettable sightseeing. Attractions include Cartwright’s Cave, Shark Reef, Plantations in ruins Dunmore’s Plantation Ruins. Situated on a hill, overlooking the sea on three sides, there remain six gate posts (four outer and two inner) and a house with two fireplaces and drawings of ships on the wall Deadman’s Cay Cave. The cave leads two ways, one tunnel leads to the ocean and has never been fully explored. There are two old Indian drawings on the wall, stalagmites and stalactites. Activities: sailing, diving/snorkeling, fishing, boating San Salvador San Salvador was called Guanahani by the Lucayan Indians, however Columbus renamed the Island San Salvador meaning “Holy Saviour”. The Island was the headquarters of the buccaneer George Watling and carried his name (Watling Island) until 1925. It is commonly known as the place where Columbus first set foot on the soil of the New World on 12th October, 1492. Attractions include Dixon Hill Lighthouse, Farquharson Plantation, Columbus Monument Farquharson Plantation. Known locally as “Blackbeard’s Castle” because he may once have held court here, these are the most famous plantation ruins in The Bahamas. They include what might have been a great house, a prison and a kitchen. There is also a cattle trough cut of solid rock. Dixon Hill Lighthouse. Built by the Imperial Lighthouse Service in 1887, it is one of the last hand-operated, kerosene-lit lighthouses in the world. You can climb 160 feet to the top of the lighthouse, which has a visibility of 19 miles. Columbus Monument, Long Bay. A white cross erected on 25th December 1956, by Ruth Durlacher Wolper, to commemorate the landfall of Christopher Columbus on San Salvador during his discovery of the New World in 1492. Activities: diving, snorkeling, fishing, horseback riding EXPERIENCES Nassau/Paradise Island Dolphin Encounters at the famous Blue Lagoon Island (as featured in the movie “Splash”). 1) Enjoy a close encounter with the friendly bottle-nosed dolphins. After arriving in the exotic lagoon, take part in an interesting and entertaining educational talk and sit on the floating platform with your feet in the water while these intelligent creatures play around you. Wade into waist-deep water for an experience of a lifetime in a close up contact with the most sophisticated dolphins. 2) Swim with the dolphins. Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of interacting with dolphins in the water. The 45 minute program includes a 15 minute educational talk about dolphins and approximately 30 unforgettable minutes in the water with the most intelligent creatures next to man. Hartley’s Undersea Walk. An adventure you will never forget. It is the famed underwater walk that is easy for every age from 5 – 85. The underwater walk is educational, exciting and an ideal outing for families. No experience, not even swimming, is necessary. Seaworld Explorer. Nassau’s only semi-submarine will take you through breathtaking coral reefs, with sea fans, sponges and a shipwreck. Yellowbird/Tropicbird Catamaran cruises. Enjoy a 3 hour cruise through Nassau’s picturesque harbour aboard two of the largest catamarans in the Atlantic and swim at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas. Live band aboard the boats. Helitours. Soar high above the Island and view its natural beauty and the surrounding coastline as you take a ride in a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter. Horseback Riding. Happy Trails offer a trail that is approximately 1 ½ hours for a gentle, family-style ride aboard predictable steeds. You will discover nearly silent woods and deserted stretches of beach. No experience required. Blue Lagoon Island Get-Away. Discover your perfect day a stone’s throw away from Paradise Island. Escape to Blue Lagoon Island and enjoy the white sandy beaches and crystal clear water that made The Bahamas legendary. This private Island get-away offers magnificent vistas, inviting hammocks, unlimited water sports, casual dining, beach bar, live entertainment, gift shops, nature walks and more. Sea Island Adventures. Take advantage of this three part adventure. Snorkel trip includes all equipment, lessons and a tour of the wonderful fish laden coral reefs located right off beautiful Rose Island. Beach Escape. Cruise past islands and cays aboard a state of the art catamaran. At a private Island facility, enjoy one of the world’s top beaches. Play table tennis, volleyball or basketball; enjoy water sports on kayaks, paddleboats, floats, inner tubes or compete in organized games or just relax in a chaise lounge. Picnic Excursion. Enjoy a delicious Bahamian lunch. Afterwards relax in a hammock and gaze out at the beautiful sea. One day Out Island Adventure - Take an exciting one day excursion to one of the beautiful Out Islands. The unique Seaplane Safari to scenic Exuma, or the Fantastic Exuma Powerboat Adventure will allow a day’s experience in Exuma. Idyllic Harbour Island with its miles of pink sand beach and quaint homes, tiny Spanish Wells and mainland Eleuthera are a two hour ride from Nassau on the Bahamas Fast Ferry. The Bahamas Ferries will also take you to Andros Island, the largest Island in The Bahamas, Exuma and Abaco Island– all on a day’s get away. Grand Bahama Island Dolphin interaction. Situated in the pristine waters of the south shore of Grand Bahama Island, UNEXSO operates and maintains a dolphin education and interaction facility. The dolphin experience is located on a nine and half acre lagoon and people of all ages have the opportunity to learn about and interact with dolphins through a variety of programs. Horseback Riding. Pinetree Stables provide a 2 ½ hour trail ride that is the ultimate ecotour. It takes one through several of the Islands eco-systems along tree-lined trails in the pine forest and on the beach. ECO-TOURS Exploring nature and the environment is fun and exciting and one can enjoy eco-adventures on any Island, including national parks, sea and land parks, birding, and an assortment of wildlife, plants and underwater cave systems. Nassau/Paradise Island: Bahamas Outdoors -Eco-ventures. This totally eco-friendly activity is for nature lovers. Explore the very heart of nature’s playground in the tranquil areas of the Island. Bird watching and off-road bicycling are also offered. Canoeing at Lake Nancy. A Bahamian wildlife adventure. View exotic Ospreys, Coots, Egrets, Cranes, Herons and endangered White Crowned Pigeons and take in the nature trail. Paddle your own canoe by the hour or day in a tropical, tranquil, relaxed and absorbing lake only 3’ to 3 ½’ deep. "The Retreat" A National Park, the headquarters of the Bahamas National Trust. One of the world's largest collection of rare and exotic palms grow and flourish in the one-acre gardens of The Retreat. Most tropical palms grow under a forest canopy in low light. Native orchids grace the tree trunks. Red ginger proudly show off their bright bloom. And graceful ferns fill the natural "pot holes" in which palms are planted. Maps are available for self-guided tours. Bahamas National Trust. Participate in a guided bird-watching tour with an accredited tour guide. You will visit ecological sites, such as the Bahamas National Trust, Adelaide Creek, Lake Killarney and Harold & Wilson Pond, home to many resident and migrant species. Grand Bahama Island: East End Adventures offer a bush and sea adventure where one can ride to inland blue holes, wetlands and swamps and onto a quaint, unspoiled fishing village where one can also participate in bird watching. Parrott Jungle’s Garden of the Groves: 12 beautiful acres of lush tropical flowers and trees, four cascading waterfalls and winding paths all surrounded by lake scenes as well as a petting zoo. Rand Nature Centre. 100 acre educational center offers walking trails that reveal a variety of the native flora and fauna. Lucayan National Park: This 4 acre national park gives a look at distinctly different Island ecosystems. Biking Nature Tour – Ride an historic trail that early settlers walked, visit the ruins of one of the Island’s first settlements, stop along wetlands to glimpse stately Herons and Egrets. Also visit one of the most fascinating elements of the Island’s geology – an inland “blue hole”. Birding. Grand Bahama Island hosts the second highest number of native bird species. For bird watchers and nature lovers the Island is a true mecca, where one can see 18 of the 28 species of Bahamian birds that are not seen in the United States, Canada or Europe. Abaco Island Different of Abaco is a unique hotel facility with one of the most arresting exhibitions of Bahamian ecotourism diversity. It features two endangered species, the iguana and the flamingo (the national bird of The Bahamas). There are fifty-three species of birds including the Bahama Parrot. Different of Abaco is known for its bush tea such as five fingers, love vine, strong bark, madeira and others. Abaco National Park comprises 20,500 acres in Southern Abaco near the Hole in the Wall. Included in this area is 5,000 acres of forest and the Abaco population of the Bahama Parrot. Abaco Outback. Kayak tour. A full day guided tour exploring the limitless shallow creeks that line the shores of Great Abaco. Includes snorkeling over a lovely reef eco-system and visit to a salt-water cavern. Bahamas Naturalist Expeditions. Qualified naturalist guide offers wildlife nature tours such as a Wildlife tour of Great Abaco Island, bird watching, tours to sight the 100 Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins in the wild, who make their permanent homes in these inland waters. Exuma Island Crab Cay Ruins. Visit blue holes and the ruins on Crab Cay, in Elizabeth Harbour about one mile southeast of George Town. Visitors will find the ruins of one of the most interesting and beautiful plantations in The Bahamas. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was created in 1958, this 176 square mile park was the first of its kind in the world and is famous for its pristine beauty, outstanding anchorages and breathtaking marine environment. It is the first marine fishery reserve in the Caribbean. Thunderball Grotto. This hollow cave was the location for some of the dive scenes in the James Bond classic, “Thunderball” ART GALLERIES & MUSEUMS Art GalleriesAndrew Aitken Frame Art Gallery This gallery displays a wide selection of Bahamian artists in a variety of styles. Lithographs and prints are the most popular items. Central Bank of The Bahamas Established and upcoming Bahamian artists are hosted here. Directory: sites -> default -> files -> docs -> studentcorner docs -> Resilience Way, Lower Estate, St. Michael Tel: (246) 434-4880 Fax: (246) 271-3660 docs -> Resilience Way, Lower Estate, St. Michael Tel: (246) 434-4880 Fax: (246) 271-3660 Email docs -> Mwezi Tumia eneo hili kwa maneno yanayohusiana na mwezi docs -> Industry Initiatives on Mobile Devices Report docs -> Accreditation August, 2013 Report History docs -> Version including comments docs -> January 2012 Version 1 08 Fall studentcorner -> Table of contents I section one introduction studentcorner -> The major influences of the war on the bahamas Download 484.21 Kb. Share with your friends:
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